Whirring sounds fill the air as an electric bike effortlessly zooms past you. Unlike a conventional bike, the added electric motor assists with pedaling, allowing the bike to also pass riders in front of you. In the bustling sea of bikers at Palo Alto High School, a new form of transportation has sprung up, garnering the attention of riders. Commuters are trading their traditional bikes for sleek, stylish electric alternatives, which have become the primary transportation choice for many.

For sophomore Arabella Guinle, an electric bike is more than just a mode of transportation, it’s quick and efficient while also being convenient and accessible.

“I have to bike a lot, like after school and in general,” Guinle said. “I just prefer to sit and let it run instead of having to put a lot of energy into biking because I also live kind of far away, it’s just quicker.”

Similarly, electric scooters offer nearly identical benefits as their electric bike counterparts, but are packaged in a smaller size and usually come at a lower price. As someone who’s recently switched from a conventional bike to an electric scooter, sophomore Harrison Lan appreciates the added benefits. He originally bought the scooter for fun, but instantly ditched his bike when he found out the time and energy he saved while riding an electric scooter. Lan now uses it as a way to streamline his morning routine to leave him less drained and fatigued during the day.

“Biking in the morning is really tiring since most of my first and fifth periods may have tests sometimes, and when I bike, it’s hard to think because I’m just so tired,” Lan said.

Aside from the speed and efficiency they offer, electric forms of transportation also benefit students without a driver’s license or a car. By offering a reliable and accessible way of getting around town, electric bikes and scooters allow more freedom and independence for student commuters.

“It allows me to go places further because I don’t have to use as much energy as peddling,” Guinle said. “I go at a way faster speed than I would be biking myself and I don’t lose my stamina.”

However, safety remains a top priority for riders. Riders have to exercise extra caution and be more considerate of their surroundings.

“You have to be aware that you’re going a lot faster than other people who are on a normal bikes,” Guinle said. “So just maintaining your speed is important.”

As riders continue prioritizing efficiency and convenience, electrified transportation provides them with an answer.

“Having an electric bike has really helped me have more freedom and independence and not be reliant on my parents to take me everywhere,” Guinle said.